Josh Hokit claims he got Ryan Clark fired from ESPN

UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit suggested he played a role in ESPN's decision to fire former NFL analyst Ryan Clark this week.

Clark, a Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers who won a Sports Emmy for studio analysis in 2023, co-hosted an ESPN show with former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier before his dismissal. He was among several high-profile layoffs announced by the network. According to MMA Mania, Hokit posted on social media that Clark's podcast with UFC CEO Dana White aired one day after Clark lost his job.

Hokit connects Clark interview to his own White House controversy

Hokit pointed to the timing of Clark's interview with White, which centered on the heavyweight's remarks about Michelle Obama at UFC White House. White condemned the comments as inappropriate but declined to discipline Hokit, citing his stance on free speech. Hokit wrote that podcast scripts are prepared days in advance and warned that negative thoughts about him bring a curse. He closed with the hashtag HokitCurse.

The No. 5-ranked heavyweight added a follow-up post for emphasis but offered no further details. Hokit remains without a booked fight.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Controversial UFC fighter claims responsibility for getting Ryan Clark fired from ESPN — ‘Let this be a lesson’